{% include "includes/auth/janrain/signIn_traditional.html" with message='It looks like you are already verified. If you still have trouble signing in, you probably need a new confirmation link email.' %}

Miami Dolphins spring game preview

Coach Joe Philbin created it last year as a way for his players to get an extra bit of competition in before mini-camp ends. It’s the finale of the offseason workouts before the players get a month off.

There are no pads (that’s not allowed until training camp) and it’s not open to the public. The Palm Beach Post will be there so follow on Twitter.

Here are a few things to look for in Thusday’s “game.”

1. Will Knowshon Moreno actually get a carry?

The Dolphins offseason acquisition at running back has been a no show for the first two days of mini-camp as the Post’s Hal Habib explains in today’s Post. While Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee and Orleans Darkwa are getting carries, Moreno is mostly hanging out on the sidelines and being timed while he runs.
Philbin is downplaying it, saying Moreno is fine and the team is happy with him. But he hasn’t given a good explanation as to why Moreno isn’t getting carries like the rest of the backs.

So will Moreno break out in the spring game or will he be relegated to sideline duty?

2. Can the offense keep up with the defense?

The Dolphins’ defense dominated the offense so much on Tuesday that quarterback Ryan Tannehill chewed out receivers Rishard Matthews and Gerald Ford. The offense improved somewhat on Wednesday — Tannehill threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions — but it’s clear that the defense is ahead right now.

It makes sense. Miami’s defense hasn’t changed much from a year ago but the offense is somewhat revamped under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

We’ll see if Lazor’s offense looks polished today or if the players need training camp to grasp the changes.

3. Will any surprise players break out?

You can’t really “break out” without pads, but there are a couple of undrafted rookies who have been made some noise the last couple of days. Defensive tackle Anthony Johnson (LSU) and tight end Gator Hoskins (Marshall) are both running with the second teams. Hoskins even got a brief look with the first team on Wednesday.

The Dolphins have less depth at tackle so Johnson is the more likely of the two to make the roster. But Hoskins is making a push and would be a prime candidate for the practice squad.

Other intriguing players:

– Seventh-round draft pick DE Terrence Fede had a memorable sack on Tuesday. He still has a lot to learn coming from Marist College but he’s got size and strength and is an interesting player to watch.

– Stephen Williams, a 6-foot-5 receiver, has an uphill battle for a roster spot. But you can’t help but keep your eye on him because of the size. The Dolphins don’t have height at receiver. Armon Binns and Ryan Spadola are the next two tallest receivers at 6-foot-3.

– Receiver Jarvis Landry is progressing quickly. The second-round draft choice is getting looks both outside and in the slot. Ryan Tannehill said Landry has some of the strongest hands he’s ever seen. This guy could be a real player from the start.

– After barely playing as a rookie, it’ll be interesting to see if running back Mike Gillislee can become a player this year. Running backs are among the hardest players to evaluate without pads but he’ll have a chance to prove himself in training camp and the preseason.

[…] The Dolphins offseason acquisition at running back has been a no show for the first two days of mini-camp as the Post’s Hal Habib explains in today’s Post. While Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee and Orleans Darkwa are getting carries, Knowshon Moreno is mostly hanging out on the sidelines and being timed while he runs. Philbin is downplaying it, saying Moreno is fine and the team is happy with him. But he hasn’t given a good explanation as to why Moreno isn’t getting carries like the rest of the backs. (Palm Beach Post) […]